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Lambs'
prices have sky-rocketed in Iraq
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By
Aws Al-Sharqy, IOL Correspondent
BAGHDAD,
January 31 (IslamOnline.net) - With the prices of sheep sky-rocketing
in Iraq and economy in tatters, buying a sacrificial animal has become
something of a rarity in the occupied country and many Iraqis will be
forced to abandon the holy ritual this year.
Iraqis
blamed the recent hike in prices on the U.S.-led occupation and the
smuggling of Iraqi cattle to neighboring countries.
"The
prices of sheep in Iraq have jumped after the occupation as one sheep
is selling now at some 200,000 Iraqi dinars ($30) compared to 30,000
before the occupation," Ma'an Rashad Al-Badr, professor of
economics in Baghdad University, told IslamOnline.net.
"Add
to that the smuggling of Iraqi sheep to neighboring countries,
particularly Kuwait and Saudi Arabia," he said.
The
expert indicated that Iraqi sheep and cows are being sold in foreign
currency and at mind-boggling prices in these countries due to its
high-quality meat.
Um
Abdul Rahman, a housewife, remembered the good old days when they used
to slaughter a big lamb in Eid Al-Adha, lamenting she could only
afford to buy a chicken.
"I
have not received my pension for three months and my three sons have
become jobless after the
dissolution of the Iraqi army," she said.
"This
Eid, I can't afford buy any sacrificial animal but only a chicken to
sacrifice it for God as we can't abandon this holy tradition."
Ali
Gomah, a school guard, said after the Iraqi capital fell to the U.S.
occupation, the prices of foodstuffs have spiraled sharply, especially
meat.
He
added that one kilo of meat is selling now at 7500 dinars against 2000
dinars before the occupation, asserting that only the rich can afford
it.
"But
I will sacrifice a chicken for God instead of a sheep and give some of
it to a poor family…God damn Bush and poverty."
Rajab
Naji said angrily meat has become a far-fetching dream in Iraq
nowadays as Iraqis only taste it every three or four months.
"What
Eid are you talking about?" He retorted.
"We
barely make a living under this occupation. Believe me when I say that
even onions, potatoes and tomatoes have become something hard to get
in one of the world's richest country."
"Eid
has now become history. There are no sacrificial animals, no new
clothes even nor happy nights. Lucky are those who can slaughter a
chicken or a cock nowadays," said Naji.
Asked
about sacrificing a chicken instead of a sheep, Iraqi scholar Sheikh
Mostafa Al-Jamili said the holy ritual is only obligatory for the
rich.
Slaughtering
a chicken falls under charity and not sacrifice, averred the scholar.
The
sacrificial animal should
be of the required lawful age, which is six months for a lamb, one
year for a goat, two years for a cow and five years for a camel.
It
is mustahabb (preferable) to divide the meat of the sacrificed animal
between one’s family, his relatives and the poor to manifest social
integration.
The
ritual reminds Muslims of the great act of sacrifice Prophet Ibrahim
and his son Isma`eel were willing to make for the sake of God.
It
should
take place from after `Eid Prayer until the last of the Days
of tashreeq (the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah).
